Hawa Sogoba, Mali, 2024
SYNOPSIS
In the city of LadiK, oppressed for a decade by jihadists, artistic freedom is suffocated. Yelen, a young griotte, dreams of pursuing her musical passion in the free part of the city. Her mute friend, Bintou, communicates with her through sign language. One day, Bintou is captured and sentenced to death by stoning for an illegitimate pregnancy under Sharia law. Her tragic fate leaves Yelen devastated. Overcome with anger, Yelen publicly blasphemes, drawing the attention of the authorities. She soon becomes a target of the city’s guards, who chase her down. Determined to escape and fight against this injustice, Yelen joins a clandestine group to cross the river separating the two parts of the city.
BIOGRAPHY
Hawa Sogoba is a Malian filmmaker and screenwriter. She wrote and directed her first short film in 2014. In 2020, she won a national competition, and her works have been featured in several international festivals. She was a member of UNCM/FENACAM from 2017 to 2022 and is currently part of the Association of Screenwriters of Mali (ASM). Passionate about projects blending creativity and social impact, she aspires to inspire new generations through her storytelling.